Work to build Kenilworth's new swimming pools will not begin for several months, Warwick District Council has confirmed.

Abbey Fields Leisure Centre shut its doors in December, alongside Castle Farm Recreation Centre, as WDC prepared to begin its multi-million pound rebuild.

Work was supposed to begin in January 2022.

However, three months later the council has still not agreed terms with its preferred contractor Kier.

WDC has blamed the delays on "the unexpectedly high volatility in the building industry in recent months".

Adding: "This situation could not have been predicted when the decision was made to close the two facilities and coordinate the displacement activity."

WDC announced in October that Kier was its preferred contractor, as part of a two-stage procurement process.

It said this was still ongoing.

"Their procurement was part of a two-stage procurement process to ensure that the contractor has a detailed knowledge of the project before it commences and to ensure that their expertise is included within the design and construction methods," a council spokesperson said.

"This stage is still ongoing due to the complexity of both of the sites and the current volatility within the construction industry.

"The council will not sign a contract with a contractor under a two-stage procurement until all of the details have been agreed."

The final designs for both facilities were approved by the council's planning committee last September - although concerns have been raised by residents and Kenilworth Town Council about the energy efficiency of the plans.

WDC said it was unable to give a firm date for when the works would actually begin.

Adding: "The contracts with Kier and with the demolition contractor will be signed when all of the above work has been completed.

"This should be within the next few months.

"The revised timetable for demolition, construction and facility opening will be announced as soon as it is agreed."